Health Benefits of Castor (Ricinus communis) Oil!

Castor oil is a Storehouse of Health Benefits!

Castor (Ricinus communis) of the Euphorbiaceae family, is an evergreen perennial shrub, with palmately lobed leaves and unisexual flowers. Though it is a native of India and North Africa, today, castor is cultivated  in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Castor seeds are a rich source of ricinoleic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic and stearic acid. The seeds contain ricin and allergin, the toxic proteins that are denatured during oil extraction from the seeds. Folk healers around the world have used castor oil to treat a wide variety of ailments for centuries for its therapeutic and medicinal benefits. 

Castor (Ricinus communis) 

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of castor makes it an excellent massage oil for curing joint pains and arthritis, nerve inflammations and sore muscles. Studies have shown that Castor Oil is a strong laxative, which makes it effective against constipation. A tsp of castor oil taken with warm milk before sleep helps cure constipation. To cure stomach ache, a tsp of castor oil with curd helps treat the same. Also, a tsp of castor oil taken with honey twice daily is believed to kill intestinal worms.  

Castor Oil  is also used to treat skin problems such as sunburn, abrasions, acne, dry skin, boils, warts, stretch marks, age spots, ringworm & athletes foot. Application of the oil over the affected area is said to cure such skin ailments. Being a natural emollient, it works as a beneficial remedy for wrinkles! Topical application of small amounts of oil before bedtime, softens and hydrates the skin and reduces wrinkles. 

Leaves of Castor 

The anti-bacterial components of castor oil have been found to be effective against stye (oil gland infections on eyelids). Application of a drop of oil directly onto the stye twice daily is known to relieve the eyes.  A cotton ball soaked in warm castor oil and applied over eyelids is said to give relief from pain and inflammation of the eyes.

Side Effects of Castor Oil

Pregnant/ lactating women and people with intestinal blockage, acute inflammatory intestinal disease, appendicitis or abdominal pain should not take Castor Oil without their physicians/doctor's approval! The recommended dosage for the castor oil is no more than 1/2 to a tsp per day. Over dosage of Castor oil may cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain .